testimony
I was born to Christian parents, and for as long as I can remember, I have attended church. As far as most people were concerned, that was enough to make me a Christian. In fact, all along I believed that I was a Christian too. However, I never knew what it was like to have a relationship with Him. I never did quiet time. I would read the Bible only on Sundays to find the interesting stories that my Sunday School teachers were telling me. I would only pray when I was in need of something or when I was scared. The only times I thanked God was before my meals. If I had problems, I would tell my friends or I would go running to my parents so that they would solve it for me.
Then, towards the end of 1998, we moved to San Francisco. I think of all the moves we made, that was one of the most difficult. It didn't help much that most of the kids in the school I was enrolled in were already in cliques. Gradually I settled in, but there were these guys that picked constantly on my group of friends. In fact it felt as if I was singled out especially because I was different. They would tease my friends and I until they elicited a response. It was really very frustrating.
Later on, in April 1999, I started having nightmares everytime I went to bed. I would fall asleep only to wake up later that night, crying. This happened daily for about a week and every night my parents would come into my room and comfort me. Finally, one night, my dad sat down next to me and asked me to bring out my Bible. He pointed me to various verses in the Bible which brought me great comfort. The ones that told of God's great love and His promise to always be there for us were the ones that struck a chord especially. My dad then asked whether I wanted God to come into my life, whether I wanted these promises for myself. Naturally, I responded with a yes, after which he led me in the sinners' prayer in asking Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Saviour.
Life after accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour was, well, normal. At that time it didn't seem to have changed much. Looking back now, I realize that I had changed. I was no longer affected by what others said about me; I couldn't be bothered when those guys disturbed me about my being different. I was definitely much happier in school. In fact, so much so that when I left San Francisco, it was with a heavy heart. Holding to the promise that God loved me no matter what and would always be with me, I grew to be more confident and was able to make more friends. Thinking back on those days, I can only think of the happy memories. In fact, it was only as I wrote my testimony that the unpleasant incidents came back to mind. And even so, it doesn't bother me anymore.
I believe that without the Spirit's guidance in my life, I would never be able to even come close to being the person I am today. There is no way I would have changed from the shy, introverted child that I was into who I am now. Leading others like what I am doing in school at present was but an impossible dream to me before I became a Christian. But with God, nothing is impossible and I really have to thank Him for the amazing works that He's done in my life.
* hms. thought it would be good to put my testimony up. but it'll be a lil below. writing about camp !! (: or retreat or whatever. hahas.
